Image recognition based configuration/authorization method for video security systems

Abstract

An image recognition-based configuration/authorization method for video security systems is disclosed. The method includes detecting a code label within video captured by a security camera that is part of a security system. The method also includes carrying out image recognition on an image, within which is depicted the code label, and taken from the captured video. The carrying out image recognition includes extracting token identification data and an address for a network addressable authorization entity.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A computer-implemented method comprising:
 detecting a code label within video captured by a security camera that is pannable and tiltable, and the security camera being part of a system site, which is communicatively coupled to a public security system; 
 carrying out image recognition on an image, within which is depicted the code label, and the image being taken from the captured video, the carrying out image recognition including extracting token identification data and an address for a network addressable authorization entity; 
 transmitting, to the network addressable authorization entity at the address, the token identification data and additional data, wherein the additional data is specific to at least one of:
 the security camera; 
 the video captured by the security camera; and 
 the security system; 
 
 receiving a message from the network addressable authorization entity; and 
 when the message confirms trustworthiness of the code label, taking a restricted action in relation to the security system. 
 
     
     
       2. The computer-implemented method as claimed in  claim 1  wherein the restricted action in relation to the security system is at least one configuration settings change that impacts later video to be captured by the security camera, and wherein the configuration settings change is at least one of a pan settings change, a tilt settings change, a zoom settings change and a resolutions settings change. 
     
     
       3. The computer-implemented method as claimed in  claim 1  wherein the restricted action in relation to the security system is a restricted action in relation to the security camera or the captured video. 
     
     
       4. The computer-implemented method as claimed in  claim 3  wherein the restricted action is in relation to the captured video or future video to be captured by the security camera, and includes: i) a video analytics rules change in relation to one or more events or objects; or ii) redacting one or more objects depicted within the captured video. 
     
     
       5. The computer-implemented method as claimed in  claim 3  wherein:
 the restricted action is in relation to the captured video and includes redacting one or more objects depicted within the captured video, and 
 the one or more objects is at least one or more of: a police or security officer; a weapon; and a police or security vehicle. 
 
     
     
       6. The computer-implemented method as claimed in  claim 1  wherein the restricted action in relation to the security system is unlocking a door or other physical portal communicatively coupled to an access control reader that is a part of the security system. 
     
     
       7. The computer-implemented method as claimed in  claim 1  wherein the code label is a barcode label, QR code label, a pictogram label, a formatted text label, a dot-based label or a symbol label. 
     
     
       8. The computer-implemented method as claimed in  claim 1  further comprising:
 receiving, at the network addressable authorization entity, the token identification data and the additional data; and 
 transmitting a challenge to a computing device; and 
 once a response is received from the computing device, determining whether the token identification data corresponds to an authorized request. 
 
     
     
       9. The computer-implemented method as claimed in  claim 8  wherein the computing device is a smart phone, and the network addressable authorization entity communicates with the smart phone over at least one wireless network. 
     
     
       10. The computer-implemented method as claimed in  claim 8  wherein the computing device is a computer terminal within a mission control center. 
     
     
       11. The computer-implemented method as claimed in  claim 1  wherein the security system is controlled by a first entity, and the restricted action is transmitting the captured video to another system controlled by a second entity different than the first entity. 
     
     
       12. The computer-implemented method as claimed in  claim 1  wherein the message includes a token expiry time, and the restricted action is terminated at a same time as when token expiry time becomes elapsed. 
     
     
       13. The computer-implemented method as claimed in  claim 1  further comprising:
 receiving, at the network addressable authorization entity, the token identification data and the additional data that includes geographic location data corresponding to a geographic location of the security camera, and 
 wherein the network addressable authorization entity only generates the message that confirms the trustworthiness of the code label when the geographic location of the security camera is valid. 
 
     
     
       14. A security system that is communicatively coupled to a network addressable authorization entity when installed and in operation at a system site, the security system comprising:
 at least one security camera that is pannable and tiltable, and the security camera:
 being configured to capture video, and 
 being part of the system site that is communicatively coupled to a public security system; 
 
 at least one processor configured to:
 detect a code label within the captured video; 
 carry out image recognition on an image, within which is depicted the code label, and the image being taken from the captured video, and the image recognition including extraction of token identification data and an address for the network addressable authorization entity; and 
 at least one transceiver configured to: 
 transmit, to the network addressable authorization entity at the address, the token identification data and additional data, wherein the additional data is specific to at least one of:
 the security camera; 
 the video captured by the security camera; and 
 the security system; and 
 
 receive a message from the network addressable authorization entity, and 
 
 wherein when the received message confirms trustworthiness of the code label, a restricted action is taken within the security system. 
 
     
     
       15. The security system as claimed in  claim 14  wherein the security system is controlled by a first entity, and the restricted action is transmitting the captured video to another system controlled by a second entity different than the first entity. 
     
     
       16. The security system as claimed in  claim 14  wherein the restricted action is at least one configuration settings change that impacts later video to be captured by the security camera, and wherein the configuration settings change is at least one of a pan settings change, a tilt settings change, a zoom settings change and a resolutions settings change. 
     
     
       17. The security system as claimed in  claim 14  further comprising an access control reader that is communicatively coupled to a door or other physical portal, and
 wherein the restricted action is unlocking the door or other physical portal by action upon the access control reader. 
 
     
     
       18. The security system as claimed in  claim 14  wherein the code label is a barcode label, QR code label, a pictogram label, a formatted text label, a dot-based label or a symbol label. 
     
     
       19. The security system as claimed in  claim 14  wherein the message includes a token expiry time, and the restricted action is terminated at a same time as when token expiry time becomes elapsed. 
     
     
       20. The security system as claimed in  claim 14  wherein:
 the restricted action is in relation to the captured video and includes redacting one or more objects depicted within the captured video, and 
 the one or more objects is at least one or more of: i) a police or security officer; and ii) a police or security vehicle.